Okonomiyaki

available in various areas

The star of Osaka’s “flour-based culture” is okonomiyaki!

When people think of Osaka, they think of food that uses flour as a base. There is the popular snack of takoyaki, and the star player, okonomiyaki. The base batter is similar to that of takoyaki, with flour, egg, and broth added. Next you mix in meat or fish, then shredded cabbage and cook it on a griddle like a pancake. Hiroshima is also famous for okonomiyaki, but there noodles and vegetables are the main ingredient. Osaka okonomiyaki is thick and fluffy, with a good balance of meat or fish, and finished perfectly with plenty of sauce.

The best seat in the house is in front of the griddle! Skillful grilling is also part of the fun!

There area a variety of okonomiyaki restaurant styles in Osaka, but if you see one that has a counter seat right in front of the griddle, you should definitely eat there. There are some restaurants that will give you the ingredients once you order so you can grill it yourself, but without experience, it is difficult to cook. If it is your first time, simply ask the staff to cook it for you and you’ll see it done with skill. While the meat is being cooked on the griddle, the batter and vegetables should be thoroughly mixed. Once the meat is cooked, the batter is poured on top and grilled like a round pancake. Make sure not to press down on the surface of the okonomiyaki with the spatula. Once it is thick and fluffy, top it with sauce to complete the dish.

Fluffy, fragrant okonomiyaki from skilled techniques

Fukutaro is one of the most popular okonomiyaki restaurants in Osaka, and is always crowded. They use the highest quality meats from Kagoshima, fresh fish from Osaka Central Wholesale Market, and perfectly balanced batter. Their veteran staff grills the okonomiyaki in a flash. If you come here, you have to try the negiyaki (okonomiyaki with scallions). It is thinner than usual okonomiyaki and a simple dish with plenty of scallions in the batter. Cooked okonomiyaki is cut into small pieces and eaten directly from the griddle. Okonomiyaki is at its absolute best when you fill your mouth with piping hot bites.